Pranayama – Art of breathing

“When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still.”

-Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Upanishads describe Pranayama as the “royal path to prosperity, freedom and bliss”. Pranayama is the Art of breathing. Breathing is what keeps us alive. But may be because it happens automatically, we have become so insensitive to it and do not understand what right breathing can do.

Breathing has a deep impact on our mind, body and emotions. Just watching one’s breathing during moments of happiness, excitement, anger, tension, etc. will make us realize how breathing impacts us. And by reversing the process, that is, breathing in that particular pattern can give you those emotions resulting in perfect control over our mind, body and emotions.

Art of breathing a workshop which is designed to make you realize the importance of right way of breathing and to give you the experience of the positive results of right breathing. Through this program you will be able to understand how breathing can be used as the most powerful tool for achieving mental balance and stress management.
Observe the breath when it goes from down to up and again as the breath comes from up to down. Observing this pattern regularly will take you closer to realizing the Self.

Through Art of Breathing, the doorway to evolution of consciousness opens and it takes the aspirants to higher levels of consciousness and spiritual experience.

Retreat Outline:

Philosophy of Pranayama

Different forms of Pranayama and their effects on the body, mind & soul

Balancing Breath

Increasing the sensitivity and expand the awareness

Breathing & Meditation

Both theory and practice classes are provided to show the students how to set up an invigorating and healing breathing routine.

Benefits from the Retreat:

Deepens one’s spiritual connection,

Increases one’s metabolism,

Increases Oxygen intake

Strengthens the immune system,

Reduces stress and anxiety

Improves emotional stability

Strengthens immune system

Healthy body, glowing eyes, calm mind are the other important benefits.

Click here to see our calendar of Events.

Retreat Schedule

Art of Breathing Level 1

This 2 day retreat begins at 8 am on the day 1 and end at 5 pm next day. With Sukshma Kriyas (exercises for joints and glands), theory and practice of Pranayama through out the day, there are breaks for 3 meals and one hour discussion sessions.

What comes next, Advice for further study/practice
and Feedback session.

5:00 pm

Check out

(Please note: all phenomena are impermanent – the exact schedule may vary slightly from course to course)

Art of Breathing Level 2

This 5 day retreat begins at 1 pm on the day 1 and end at 2 pm on day 5.The days in between begin with a wake up bell at 5:30 am and the last session of the day ends around 1 pm. With Sukshma Kriyas (exercises for joints and glands), theory and practice of Pranayama through out the day, there are breaks for 3 meals and one hour discussion sessions.

(Please note: all phenomena are impermanent – the exact schedule may vary slightly from course to course)

Preparing for the Retreat

In order to keep the atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and spiritual pursuit and to minimise distractions during the retreat, students on our residential retreats and retreats are asked to abide by our basic code of discipline listed below.

Silence is kept throughout the retreat, however during teaching sessions questions are welcomed and there will be a one hour discussion group on most days.

We may experience a lot of ups and downs during the retreat. Therefore, please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow retreat participants and staff.

We have to keep an open mind. Many of the ideas presented may be new and different from one’s own beliefs, and we should be prepared to analyse and contemplate not only the teachings, but also our own beliefs.

We have to adjust to the schedule: all participants must attend all sessions of the retreat, come to sessions on time and not leave during the retreat.

Health

You must be in good general health. If you have any conditions such as hypertension, heart surgery or any other type of surgery within the last 6 months, you are requested to inform us beforehand.

Complete all your outside communication and arrangements before your arrive.

In order to successfully participate in the retreat, you must be really free from all outside commitments for the entire period of the retreat. All phone calls, e-mails, letters, tickets, flight confirmations, money changing etc must be arranged and organised before the retreat begins. There is no way to do this during the retreat, so be sure to tell your family and friends that you won’t be in touch until after check-out on the last day of your retreat (after 1pm).

Do not point your feet towards the teachers, the altar or any holy object.

Do not put prayer books, texts, or notebooks with on the floor, or sit or step over them.

No idle chit-chat in the lecture hall. (ie. You can ask the teacher questions during class, but do not talk with other students).

Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.

Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.

Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others. This is easy when observing silence!

Be celibate: no sexual activity. This also includes no holding hands, hugging, massages and other physical displays of affection.

Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes (we encourage you to stop smoking while here).

Be considerate of others’ silence: keep silence in the appropriate areas and at all times during residential retreats, especially in the lecture hall and the residential complex. No singing or playing music and in general, maintain a quiet demeanor while on the property.